Be Determined to “Let Your Brotherly Love Continue”! ~ ???

[Bible Speaks]

Be Determined to “Let Your Brotherly Love Continue”! ~ ???
“Let your brotherly love continue.”—HEBREWS 13:1.

What is brotherly love? The original Greek word Paul used literally means “affection for a brother.” Brotherly love is a strong, warm feeling between family members or close friends. (John 11:36) We do not pretend to be brothers and sisters. We are brothers and sisters. (Matthew 23:8) Paul says: “In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” (Romans 12:10) Those words show how strong our affection is for our brothers. This brotherly love, along with love based on Christian principles, helps God’s people to be close friends with one another and to be united.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE?

The most important reason to show brotherly love is that Jehovah tells us to do so. We cannot really love Jehovah if we refuse to love our brothers. (1 John 4:7, 20, 21) Another reason is that we need one another, especially during difficult times. When Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrew Christians, he knew that soon some would have to leave their homes and personal things. Jesus had described how difficult that time would be. (Mark 13:14-18; Luke 21:21-23) So before that time came, those Christians would need to strengthen their love for one another.—Romans 12:9.

HOW CAN WE LET OUR BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE?

“Do not forget hospitality.” (Read Hebrews 13:2.) What does the word “hospitality” mean? The word Paul used literally means “kindness to strangers.” Perhaps that expression reminds us of Abraham and Lot. Those two men showed kindness to visitors they did not know. Eventually, Abraham and Lot learned that those strangers were actually angels. (Genesis 18:2-5; 19:1-3) These examples encouraged the Hebrew Christians to show brotherly love by being hospitable.

“Keep in mind those in prison.” (Read Hebrews 13:3.) When Paul wrote this, he was referring to the brothers who were in prison for their faith. Paul commended the congregation because they had shown “sympathy for those in prison.” (Hebrews 10:34) Some brothers helped Paul during the four years he was in prison, but others lived far away. How could they help Paul? They could keep praying intensely for him.—Philippians 1:12-14; Hebrews 13:18, 19.

“Let marriage be honorable among all.” (Read Hebrews 13:4.) We can also show brotherly love by being morally clean. (1 Timothy 5:1, 2) For example, if we were to commit sexual immorality with a brother or a sister, we would harm that person and that person’s family. The trust we have among our brothers would be damaged. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) Think, too, about how a wife would feel if she discovered that her husband watches pornography. Would she feel that her husband loves her and respects the marriage arrangement?—Matthew 5:28.

Be “content with the present things.” (Read Hebrews 13:5.) Trust in Jehovah will help us to be content, that is, to be satisfied with what we have. How does this help us to show brotherly love? When we are content, we will remember that our Christian brothers and sisters are much more important than money or things. (1 Timothy 6:6-8) We will not complain about our brothers or about our situation in life. And we will not be jealous of others or greedy. Instead, when we are content, we will be generous.—1 Timothy 6:17-19.

“Be of good courage.” (Read Hebrews 13:6.) Trust in Jehovah gives us the courage to endure difficult trials. This courage helps us to have a positive attitude. And when we are positive, we can show our brotherly love by encouraging and comforting our brothers and sisters. (1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15) Even during the great tribulation, we can be courageous, knowing that our deliverance is near.—Luke 21:25-28.

“Remember those who are taking the lead.” (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) The elders in our congregation use their personal time to work hard for us. When we think about all that they do, our love and appreciation for them grows. We would never want them to lose their joy or become frustrated because of something we do. Instead, we want to obey willingly. This way we “give them extraordinary consideration in love because of their work.”—1 Thessalonians 5:13.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED
Brotherly love: A strong, warm feeling between family members or close friends. As JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, we do not pretend to be brothers and sisters. We are brothers and sisters

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402016042?q=heb+13%3A1&p=par